Itinerary: Tanzania: Great Tour and Zanzibar Beach Holiday

This Safari covers the highlights of Tanzania: the migration in the Serengeti, the stunning Ngorongoro Crater and the wild and adventurous Selous Park. At the end of this trip you will relax on a pristine beach in Zanzibar

Tour Highlights: Safari Game Drives: View the Big Five on game drives in our open-top safari vehicles in Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Mikumi National Park, Udzungwa National Park, Ruaha National Park and Selous game reserve – great for photography! Enjoy an African Sundowner: Experience authentic African safari “sundowners” at exclusive Tanzanian game reserves. Last 5 days in Zanzibar for leisure: Think of Zanzibar and pictures of romantic dhows with white sails, endless, palm fringed beaches, veiled women, ancient ruins and exotic spices float before your eyes. The island have a thrilling history, which reflects today in the culture and traditions of the Zanzibaris. Zanzibar has more to offer than just fantastic white tropical beaches!

Day 1: Arrival Kilimanjaro Airport Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Meet and greet at the airport with our driver guide and transfer to Meru Simba Lodge for dinner and overnight

Meals: Dinner and breakfast Accommodation: Meru Simba Lodge.

Day 2: Arusha to Lake Manyara Park – 130 km / 2 hrsAfter break fast drive to Lake Manyara National park for full day game drive, in the afternoon you will stop for picnic lunch and then proceed with game viewing. Dinner and overnight at Serena lodge

About Manyara: A major attraction of the Lake Manyara National Park is the tree - climbing lions. Unfortunately there is no guarantee that you will spot them. However, there are other things to see - elephants, hippos, zebras, impalas, buffalos, baboons, plains animals as well as huge variety of birdlife, both resident and migratory.

At certain times of the year, Lake Manyara is home to thousands of flamingos (attracted by the Lake itself), which form a shimmering pink zone around the lake shore. Other birds found here include ostriches, egrets, herons, pelicans and storks. Also seen are African spoonbills, various species of ibises, ducks and the rare pygmy geese. The most noticeable of the landscape within this park are the very impressive baobab trees with their huge trunks.

Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park - Serengeti National Park 190 km / 3.5 – 4 hrs After breakfast at 0800hrs drive from Lake Manyara National Park with your packed lunch and game en-route to the great Serengeti Plains via Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Late afternoon drive to your lodge for dinner and overnight

About Serengeti: Endless Plains of Nature's Wonders: The Serengeti National Park, covering 14763 square kilometers is one of the world's largest wildlife sanctuaries. One of the most breathtaking events in the animal kingdom, the migration of thousands of wildebeest takes place here every year. The Serengeti, 320 kilometers from Arusha, was gazetted in 1951. It was accepted by the World Heritage Convention as a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve in 1981.

Day 4: Serengeti National Park After breakfast leave with your packed lunch for game drive on the Serengeti Park acacia Savannah in the central to the east region. Around 12.30pm and 13.00pm break for your picnic lunch; thereafter proceed with tour afternoon game drive. In mid January to February, march to mid April, 95% of females of wildebeest mate to a total of 60000 then 8 to 8.5 months later those females that conceived give birth on the same southern plains after a long travel. Evening drive to your lodge for dinner and overnight

Day 5: Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro/Olduvai After breakfast with your packed lunch drive and game en-route to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It is your option whether you pass by Olduvai Gorge a historical site whereby the early man lived and can also pass by the Maasai boma if you are interested in the real African life tradition and culture, after your lunch en-route adds to the crater rim for your dinner and overnight.

About Ngorongoro: Eight Wonder": NEARLY two million years ago, Ngorongoro Peak towered almost as high as Kilimanjaro. Both these Mountains formed the highest peaks in Africa at that time. The Ngorongoro Volcanic peak collapsed beneath the volcano to form a caldera, the largest unbroken and unflooded in the world today. Although a geological feature formed by the withdrawal of molten in this manner is correctly called a caldera, many people are traditionally used to the term Crater and hence Ngorongoro Caldera is described as crater in all the records available. Ngorongoro Crater is one of the few natural places in East Africa where one can guarantee sightings of the rare black rhino in their natural setting. Visitors to Ngorongoro can enjoy walking around the area. Long walking safaris and short hikes are both adventurous and rewarding. Within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area are ore about the cultures and traditions of the Maasai, a pastoral tribe allowed to herd their cattle within the protected area.

Day 6: Ngorongoro CraterAfter breakfast drive to Ngororngoro Conservation Area with your lunch box, descend into the crater floor for full day game viewing. The crater is rich in wildlife and the day will be filled with sights and sounds of the wild echoing within the crater walls.

Your packed lunch will be served on the crater floor at the picnic site near Lerai forest or hippo pool. Many crater visitors want to see rare species, “the Black rhinoceros’, this is the right time, because during the dry season is very hard to see them as they are afraid of sun burn. Late afternoon ascend the crater and then drive to Arusha for your dinner and overnight

Day 8: Mikumi National ParkTransfer from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi by road for a game drive. Mikumi National Park is the closest National Park to Dar es Salaam and is nestled between the Uluguru Mountains to the northeast, and the Rubeho Mountains, Udzungwa Mountains and Rift Valley escarpment to the south west. As part of the Selous ecosystem, it benefits from the highest game density of the entire conservation area. Dinner and overnight at Vuma Hills tented Camp

About Mikumi: Swirls of opaque mist hide the advancing dawn. The first shafts of sun colour the fluffy grass heads rippling across the plain in a russet halo. A herd of zebras, confident in their camouflage at this predatory hour, pose like ballerinas, heads aligned and stripes merging in flowing motion. The open horizons and abundant wildlife of the Mkata Floodplain, the popular centrepiece of Mikumi, draw frequent comparisons to the more famous Serengeti Plains. Lions survey their grassy kingdom – and the zebra, wildebeest, impala and buffalo herds that migrate across it – from the flattened tops of termite mounds, or sometimes, during the rains, from perches high in the trees. Giraffes forage in the isolated acacia stands that fringe the Mkata River, islets of shade favoured also by Mikumi's elephants. Mkata Floodplain is perhaps the most reliable place in Tanzania for sightings of the powerful eland, the world’s largest antelope. The equally impressive greater kudu and sable antelope haunt the miombo-covered foothills of the mountains that rise from the park’s borders. More than 400 bird species have been recorded, with such colourful common residents as the lilac-breasted roller, yellow-throated longclaw and bateleur eagle joined by a host of European migrants during the rainy season. Hippos are the star attraction of the pair of pools situated 5km north of the main entrance gate, supported by an ever-changing cast of waterbirds.

Day 9: Udzungwa National ParkAfter breakfast drive to Udzungwa excursion area for full day game drive. Udzungwa landscape includes several small isolated mountain ranges. Each of these have a unique mixture of habitats and animal species and none more so that the Udzungwa Mountains National Park . Home to at least ten species of primate and several recently discovered species of bird, a rainforest trek here will be one you never forget. Lunch at Udzungwa. Returning to Vuma Hills at night

About Udzungwa:Brooding and primeval, the forests of Udzungwa seem positively enchanted: a verdant refuge of sunshine-dappled glades enclosed by 30-metre (100 foot) high trees, their buttresses layered with fungi, lichens, mosses and ferns. Udzungwa is the largest and most biodiverse of a chain of a dozen large forest-swathed mountains that rise majestically from the flat coastal scrub of eastern Tanzania. Known collectively as the Eastern Arc Mountains, this archipelago of isolated massifs has also been dubbed the African Galapagos for its treasure-trove of endemic plants and animals, most familiarly the delicate African violet. Ornithologists are attracted to Udzungwa for an avian wealth embracing more than 400 species, from the lovely and readily-located green-headed oriole to more than a dozen secretive Eastern Arc endemics. Four bird species are peculiar to Udzungwa, including a forest partridge first discovered in 1991 and more closely related to an Asian genus than to any other African fowl. Of six primate species recorded, the Iringa red colobus and Sanje Crested Mangabey both occur nowhere else in the world – the latter, remarkably, remained undetected by biologists prior to 1979. Undoubtedly, this great forest has yet to reveal all its treasures: ongoing scientific exploration will surely add to its diverse catalogue of endemics

Day 10: Ruaha National ParkFly from Mikumi to Ruaha for the full day game drive. Ruaha National Park , remote with a dramatic topography of mountains, river and plains. It’s ragged beauty is only outmatched by the variety and density of wildlife and exotic birdlife. Dinner and overnight at Ruaha river Lodge.

Meals: Lunch, dinner and breakfast Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge

About Ruaha:Considered to be one of the great "undiscovered" wilderness areas of East Africa, Ruaha National Park is one of Tanzania's least accessible parks, and as result it is totally untouched and remains one of the most exciting game reserves. Located in south central Tanzania, it is the third largest game conservation area after Selous and Serengeti. The terrain is varied and fascinating with wild fig trees, rare baobab forests and gorges of glowing orange sandstone. A visual treat with wild landscapes of miombo forest and rolling woodlands, hills, rivers and plains, Ruaha is accessible only by aeroplane or with a pre-booked safari The main feature of the park is the Ruaha river, which rises in the swamps to the south and sweeps north and eastward through the park. Its deep pools, gorges and swirling rapids make for excellent fishing. The River features large numbers of hippos and crocodiles as well as the clawless otter. Other animals include the reedbuck, waterbuck and buffalo, with their predators - the lion, leopard, jackal, spotted hyena, and the distinctive African hunting dog. In the grasslands live animals like the kudu, large herds of elephant, eland, impala, Grant's gazelle, dik dik, zebra, warthog, mongoose, wild cat, porcupine and shy civet. Over 350 species of birdlife have been recorded including kingfisher, plover, hornbill, green wood hoopoe, bee-eater, sunbird and egret as well as birds on their migratory routes.

Day 11: Ruaha National ParkAfter breakfast continue with morning and afternoon game drive at Ruaha. Overnight at Ruaha River Lodge.

Meals: Lunch, dinner and breakfast Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge

Day 12: Ruaha National ParkAfter breakfast continue with morning and afternoon game drive at Ruaha. Alternatively you may go for morning game drive and after lunch you may rest at your lodge. Overnight at Ruaha River Lodge.

Meals: Lunch, dinner and breakfast Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge

Day 13: Selous Game ReserveFly from Ruaha to Selous game reserve for full day game drive. Selous is the largest game reserve in Africa - 4 times the size of the Serengeti. It possesses a diverse landscape from hot volcanic springs, sporadic lakes, channels from the Great Ruaha and Rufiji rivers. Walking is permitted (with an armed ranger) which with over 350 species of bird and 2,000 species of plants to see makes this the most heavenly sanctuary to explore. Also Selous is famous for its elephant, hippopotamus and rhino.

The park has a broad range of game: buffalo - the largest population in Africa; Nyasaland gnu; brindled gnu; hartebeest; Greater Kudu; sable antelope; eland; reedbuck; bushbuck; waterbuck; warthog; zebras; giraffe; and wildebeest. Also: lion, leopard, the spotted hyena and hunting dog are in abundance; cheetah are rare; there are over 350 species of bird and reptiles such as crocodiles and various snakes and lizards. Overnight at Rufiji River Camp

Day 14: Selous Game ReserveIn the morning after an early light breakfast at 0730hrs you may go either for walking safari or for morning game drive (2hrs), then return to the lodge for proper breakfast at 1000hrs. Then at 1100hrs go for game drive for the rest of the day with your picnic lunch. At 1630hrs you may go for boat safari (optional with additional of US$ 60). Overnight at Rufiji River camp.

Day 15: Selous – Zanzibar (Stone Town)After breakfast fly back to Dar es Salaam to connect to your flight to Zanzibar. Meet at Zanzibar Airport with our representative and transfer to Tembo House Hotel for Overnight

Meals: Dinner and breakfast Accommodation: Tembo House Hotel

About Zanzibar:The beautiful, evergreen spice island of Zanzibar Tanzania is known for its spectacular architecture, meandering lanes, luscious tropical fruits, aromatic spices and charming friendly people. Lying off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean, it is famous for once being the commercial centre of East Africa and the last place to abolish the slave trade. Today it combines ancient Islamic ruins, noble Arabic houses with miles of white sandy palm fringed beaches and coves. The breathtaking beauty of its coastline and the magnificence of the historical Stone Town make this one of the world's famous touring destinations.

Day 16: Excursion in ZanzibarIn the morning after breakfast you will be picked up from the hotel for Prison Island Tour and Spice Tour. In the evening return to your hotel for overnight

Meals: Dinner and breakfast Accommodation: Tembo House Hotel

Day 17: Stone Town – East Coast In the morning after breakfast you will be transferred from Stone Town to the hotel in the East Cost, the hotel is situated just on the white sand beach of the Indian Ocean. Overnight at Karafuu Hotel Beach Resort

Meals: Dinner and breakfast Accommodation: Karafuu Hotel Beach Resort

Day 18: East CoastSpend the whole day for leisure at your hotel. Overnight at Karafuu Hotel Beach Resort

Meals: Dinner and breakfast Accommodation: Karafuu Hotel Beach Resort

Day 19: Zanzibar to Kilimanjaro AirportAfter breakfast pick up from Pongwe Hotel and transfer to Zanzibar Airport to connect to your late morning flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Price Includes;- All parks entrance fees - All transfers as per itinerary - Transport on 4WD vehicle with a pop-up roof - Accommodation and meals as per itinerary above - All domestic flights mentioned in the itinerary; Kilimanjaro – Dar es Salaam; Mikumi – Ruaha – Selous – Dar es Salaam – Zanzibar - Kilimanjaro - Ngorongoro Crater fees - Two activities in Zanzibar - Private use of vehicle(s) throughout the safari - Mineral water 1.5lt per day on safari - Service of English speaking driver guide(s) - Activities as per itinerary above

Price Excludes- International flights fare to/from Tanzania - Hot and cold drinks - Tip(s) to the driver/guide(s) - All items of personal nature/use - Passport and visa - And all not mentioned on the plan.

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Tanzania: Great Tour and Zanzibar Beach Holiday

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